Protests, placards mark a month of Delhi gangrape

Waning protests gathered some momentum as Wednesday marked the completion of one month of the brutal gang rape of the 23-year-old paramedic in South Delhi on December 16.

While protesters staged a mock funeral of the victim, various women's and students' organisations decided to hold a 'freedom parade' at 2pm on January 26 from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar.

Kavita Krishnan, secretary of All India Progressive Women's Association, told Hindustan Times, "In the last one month, the government failed to listen to even a single demand of ours. We're not satisfied with a helpline here and a few night buses there."

"We want gender-just laws, more courts and judges for faster trials, a protocol for policemen to follow when women approach them for registration of cases, massive expansion of safe public transport for women and review and fast-tracking of the one lakh pending sexual violence cases in the country," she said.

At Jantar Mantar, shouts of "we want justice" and "hang the rapists" rent the air amid the deployment of policemen on both ends of the road. The ongoing protests have been waning over the past couple of weeks.

Under the banner of "December 16 revolution", about three dozen protesters held placards and lit candles around a symbolic picture of the victim.

Protesters also performed a 'havan' and made paintings to highlight messages such as: "A month is over, justice is still awaited." In an adjacent tent, a "rashtrahit satyagrah" continued.

Three youngsters were seen "mourning" with a candle. Two students were seen sitting near a banner "India against women violence."

About 10 women sat under the banner of All India Democratic Women's Association.

Members of an umbrella body of students, youth, women and trade unions meant the biggest gathering — 100 people. People from all groups gave speeches through loudspeakers making it difficult for anyone to understand even a word amid the cacophony.

At DU, Supreme Court lawyer and civil rights activist Vrinda Grover said justice demands that we should respect women's point of view.

Sucheta De, national secretary, All India Students' Association, said the movement would continue.